Abstract: Provided herein are glycerol-3-phosphate dehydrogenase (GPD) enzymes with increased KM for NADH and GPD enzymes with substantially the same affinity for NADH and NADPH and/or are feedback inhibited by glycerol-3-phosphate. Also provided herein are recombinant microorganisms comprising a heterologous gene encoding GPD and a deletion or disruption in an endogenous gene encoding GPD. Also provided are recombinant microorganisms comprising a heterologous gene encoding GPD and a butanol biosynthetic pathway. Further provided are methods of producing butanol comprising providing the recombinant microorganisms described herein and contacting the recombinant microorganism with at least one fermentable carbon substrate under conditions wherein butanol is produced.

Abstract: Construction and expression of synthetic pathways to produce (5) or (R)-3-hydroxybutyrate (3HB) as enantiomerically-pure products by genetically engineering cyanobacterium Synechocystis sp. PCC 6803. Under optimized growth conditions, the pathway employing phaA and phaB from R. eutropha was the most effective, producing up to 533.4±5.5 mg/l (R)-3HB after 21 days photosynthetic cultivation. For the first time, the feasibility and high efficiency of producing 3HB using solar energy and CO2 as sole energy and carbon sources by engineered cyanobacteria is demonstrated.

Abstract: The present technology pertains to methods and microbial co-cultures for converting lignocellulosic biomass to biofuels and/or other carbon-based chemicals. Aspects of the present disclosure relate to novel consolidated bioprocessing (CBP) methods by which the efficiency of the production of biofuels and/or other carbon-based chemicals from cellulosic biomass-containing materials can be increased. In particular, the present disclosure provides numerous microbiological co-cultures for increasing the efficiency of ethanol and/or lactic acid production from biomass.

Abstract: Provided is recombinant Escherichia coli comprising a mutated ldhA gene. Disclosed are use of the recombinant Escherichia coli in the preparation of D-lactate, and method of preparing D-lactate by employing the recombinant Escherichia coli. In the method of preparing D-lactate, fermentation can be conducted at a high temperature (42-50° C.), and aqueous ammonia or sodium hydroxide can be used as a neutralizer during the fermentation.

Abstract: The purpose of the present invention is to effectively accumulate triacylglycerol in algae cells, the present invention providing a method for introducing a triacylglycerol synthetase gene, a phosphorus starvation-inducible promoter, and a 3? untranslated region into algae.

Abstract: A microbial cell is used for producing at least one fatty acid ester, wherein the cell is genetically modified to contain (i) at least one first genetic mutation that enables the cell to produce at least one fatty acid and/or acyl coenzyme A (CoA) thereof by increased enzymatic activity in the cell relative to the wild type cell of malonyl-CoA dependent and malonyl-ACP independent fatty acyl-CoA metabolic pathway, wherein the fatty acid contains at least 5 carbon atoms; and (ii) a second genetic mutation that increases the activity of at least one wax ester synthase in the cell relative to the wild type cell and the wax ester synthase has sequence identity of at least 50% to a polypeptide of SEQ ID NO: 1-8 and combinations thereof or to a functional fragment of any of the polypeptides for catalyzing the conversion of fatty acid and/or acyl coenzyme A thereof to the fatty acid ester.

Abstract: A process for production and extraction of dihydrolipoic acid (DHLA) relates to the biotransformation of R-lipoic acid to dihydrolipoic acid. The process ferments the lipoic acid with bacteria selected from the genus of any of the following bacteria: Lactobacillus, Enterococcus, Pediococcus, or Bacillus. More particularly the present invention relates to a method for the extraction of DHLA utilizing a non-traditional solvent system, namely a food oil. Generally the DHLA that is produced in the present method is isolated from cells which have been inactivated or killed.

Abstract: A process for removing sulphide from an aqueous solution comprising sulphide is disclosed, in which the aqueous solution is subjected to sulphide-oxidizing bacteria in the presence of oxygen in a reactor to oxidize sulphide to elemental sulphur. According to the process, a molecular-oxygen containing gas is supplied to a reactor containing the sulphide-oxidizing bacteria in an aqueous medium, such that one or more aerated zones and one or more non-aerated zones are created in the aqueous medium with upward liquid flow in the aerated zones and downward liquid flow in the non-aerated zones; and a feed stream of the aqueous solution comprising sulphide is injected into the reactor in the one or more non-aerated zones, wherein the one or more aerated zone(s) are not separated from the one or more non-aerated zone(s) by means of vertically extending reactor internal.

Abstract: The present invention involves the application of a gene cluster, and bacterial strains that used in the biosynthesis of Xiamenmycin. The nucleotide sequence of the gene cluster is showed as SEQ ID NO.1, with the whole length of 5189 base pairs. The present invention involves Streptomyces xiamenensis CGMCC No. 5670 and its mutant strain, and the method that how the mentioned bacterial strain produces Xiamenmycin. The present invention provides the strain sources by using Streptomyces xiamenensis, its mutant strains or genetically engineered microbial strains carrying the above-mentioned Xiamenmycin biosynthesis gene cluster for cultivation and produce benzopyran compound Xiamenmycin through biosynthesis. The mutant strains can be used in industrial production.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to polypeptides having transaminase activity, polynucleotides encoding the polypeptides, and methods of using the polypeptides.

Abstract: A process for increasing alcohol yield from biomass (the form or agro- or forest residue, grains, hops, etc.), involving multiple hydrodynamic cavitation treatments of biomass filtrate—both before and after fermentation. Carbohydrates extracted from biomass are subjected to a first cavitation treatment to promote additional conversion into carbohydrates. The carbohydrates are then combined with bacterial species and nutrients, and allowed to ferment. The fermentation product is subjected to a second hydrodynamic cavitation treatment to promote further conversion of carbohydrates into bioalcohol. After distillation, the bioalcohol is subjected to a second hydrodynamic cavitation treatment to increase its purity.

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods for production of 2?Fucosyllactose by a microbial system comprising a ?-1,2 fucosyltransferase (FucT2) polynucleotide and a Guanosine 5?-diphospho-?-L-fucose (GDP-L-fucose) synthesis pathway using lactose as a substrate. Furthermore, the present invention relates to compositions comprising the microbial system.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for production of single-stranded macronucleotides by amplifying and ligating an extended monomeric single-stranded target nucleic acid sequence (targetss) into a repetitive cluster of double-stranded target nucleic acid sequences (targetds), and subsequently cloning the construct into a vector (aptagene vector). The aptagene vector is transformed into host cells for replication of the aptagene and isolated in order to optain single-stranded target sequences (targetss). The invention also relates to single-stranded nucleic acids, produced by a method of the invention.

Abstract: Organohalides (e.g., organofluorides) represent a rapidly expanding proportion of molecules used in pharmaceuticals, diagnostics, agrochemicals, and materials. The present invention exploits the naturally occurring acetate condensation pathway as a means of introducing halogenated building blocks into natural product scaffolds. In an exemplary embodiment, the invention provides a pathway involving at least one polyketide synthase system and utilizes haloacetate or a haloacetate synthon (e.g., halomalonate) to incorporate an organohalide into the polyketide backbone in vitro. In an exemplary embodiment, the invention provides an analogous method for site-selective introduction of haloacetate or a synthon into polyketide products in vivo. The present invention expands the scope of existing chemical methods for producing halogenated natural product scaffolds such as complex halogenated natural products.

Abstract: The present invention pertains to a cell culture medium comprising media supplements that are shown to control recombinant protein glycosylation and/or cell culture in a controlled or modulated (shifted) temperature to control recombinant protein glycosylation and/or cell culture with controlled or modulated seed density to control recombinant protein glycosylation, and methods of using thereof. The present invention further pertains to a method of controlling or manipulating glycosylation of a recombinant protein of interest in a large scale cell culture.

Abstract: Various devices, systems and methods for detecting a susceptibility of an infectious agent to an anti-infective are described herein. A method comprises introducing a fluid sample to a first surface and a second surface; exposing the first surface to a first solution; exposing the second surface to a second solution, wherein the second surface comprises an anti-infective; sampling the first solution after exposing the first solution to the first surface; sampling the second solution after exposing the second solution to the second surface; monitoring a first electrical characteristic of a first sensor exposed to the first solution sampled; monitoring a second electrical characteristic of a second sensor exposed to the second solution sampled; and comparing the first electrical characteristic and the second electrical characteristic to assess the susceptibility of the infectious agent to the anti-infective.

Abstract: The present invention provides a protein comprising an amino acid sequence in which arginine at position 61 of a protein comprising the amino acid sequence represented by SEQ ID NO: 1 is substituted to an amino acid selected from the group consisting of glycine, alanine, valine, leucine, serine, threonine, proline, cysteine, methionine, asparagine, glutamine, and aspartic acid; and a method for measuring a glycated hemoglobin in a sample, wherein the method comprises reacting a glycated hemoglobin in a sample with a protease to produce a glycated hexapeptide, then reacting the produced glycated hexapeptide with the aforementioned protein, and measuring a substance produced or consumed by the reaction.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for detecting at least one direct thrombin inhibitor in a sample other than citrate plasma, comprising the step of mixing a sample containing a thrombin inhibitor with a composition containing thrombin under conditions which allow the thrombin to release a detectable substance from a chromogenic substrate.

Abstract: The present invention provides, inter alia, methods and compositions for imaging, at high spatial resolution, targets of interest.

Abstract: Methods for standardized sequencing of nucleic acids and uses thereof are described. The identification of genetic information is becoming a key piece of information for the diagnosis and treatment of many diseases. In order to make such diagnostic tool readily available, it is desired that this identification be as efficient and as inexpensive as possible.

Abstract: A method and diagnostic kit for selective isolation of microorganisms of interest and/or nucleic acids of interest including: a) bringing a liquid biological sample into contact with a saponin formulation to destabilize untargeted elements within the liquid biological sample, b) inducing osmotic shock of the untargeted elements to specifically lyse the untargeted elements, c) adding a solution of at least one enzyme capable of lysing free nucleic acids derived from the untargeted elements lysed in solution in the sample, and d) selectively obtaining the microorganisms of interest or the nucleic acids of interest. A precipitant of the unlyzed microorganisms of interest may be optionally added in solution. The microorganisms of interest have cell membranes or capsids that do not contain cholesterol. The untargeted elements may include untargeted cells having cell membranes containing cholesterol, and optionally viruses with envelopes containing cholesterol, mycoplasmas containing cholesterol, and cell debris.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are hybridization buffer compositions and hybridization compositions, methods of making the compositions, and methods of using the compositions, such as the hybridization of DNA or RNA sequences by fluorescence in situ hybridization (“FISH”) and blot hybridization methodologies.

Abstract: A method of stirring a test substance-containing solution injected into an analysis chip, wherein said analysis chip includes a recess to which said test substance-containing solution is injected; and a selective binding substance, which selectively binds to said test substance, is immobilized on the entirety or a part of the bottom surface of said recess, said method including injecting said test substance-containing solution to the space in said recess of said analysis chip such that said space is partially left unfilled; and rotating said analysis chip to which said test substance-containing solution is injected applying a centrifugal acceleration of not less than 1×g.

Abstract: The invention generally relates to methods for distinguishing a rare genetic variation in a nucleic acid sequence.

Abstract: Disclosed are methods and compositions for determining the average length or abundance of a first target nucleic by calculating the abundance of a first target nucleic acid (T) relative to the average abundance (S) of a second and a third target nucleic acid, in a single well using a separate detection label for each target nucleic acid. In various aspects, the first target nucleic acid is a telomere. In exemplary aspects, the disclosed methods and compositions can be used to determine the average telomere length in a biological sample. The average telomere length determined using the disclosed methods and compositions can be correlated to a variety of clinically important conditions and indices. This abstract is intended as a scanning tool for purposes of searching in the particular art and is not intended to be limiting of the present invention.

Abstract: Provided is a method for rapidly and easily detecting a mutated nucleic acid, which is contained in a small amount in a nucleic acid sample together with wild-type nucleic acids, with high specificity and high sensitivity. In the method of the present invention, amplification of a detection region comprising a target site by a nucleic acid amplification method is inhibited, by the steps of allowing a nucleic acid having a target site to coexist with a clamp probe comprising a photo-crosslinking nucleic acid and having a sequence complementary to the target site, and photo-crosslinking the nucleic acid having the target site with the clamp probe by photo-irradiation.

Abstract: Methods of producing substrates having selected active chemical regions by employing elements of the substrates in assisting the localization of active chemical groups in desired regions of the substrate. The methods may include optical, chemical and/or mechanical processes for the deposition, removal, activation and/or deactivation of chemical groups in selected regions of the substrate to provide selective active regions of the substrate.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus relating to FET arrays for monitoring chemical and/or biological reactions such as nucleic acid sequencing-by-synthesis reactions. Some methods provided herein relate to improving signal (and also signal to noise ratio) from released hydrogen ions during nucleic acid sequencing reactions.

Abstract: Surface chemistries for the visualization of labeled single molecules (analytes) with improved signal-to-noise properties are provided. To be observed, analyte molecules are bound to surface attachment features that are spaced apart on the surface such that when the analytes are labeled adjacent analytes are optically resolvable from each other. One way to express this concept is that binding elements should be spaced apart such that the Guassian point spread functions of adjacent labels do not overlap. Another way of expressing this concept is that the surface binding elements should be spaced apart by a distance equal to at least the diffraction limit for an optical label attached to the bound analytes.

Abstract: This invention generally relates to methods, devices and kits for screening a plurality of single secreting cells for functional activity of the secreted molecules by measuring the amount of reporter gene mRNA produced in one or more reporter cells in response to the secreted molecules.

Abstract: A high density DNA array comprising a patterned surface, said surface comprising a pattern of small DNA binding regions separated by a non-DNA binding surface, wherein the DNA binding regions comprise DNA capture chemistry and the non-DNA binding surface does not have the DNA capture chemistry wherein more than 50% of the DNA binding regions in the array have single informative DNA species.

Abstract: Methods and compositions disclosed herein generally relate to methods of improving clinical and economic outcomes to address adverse effects related to anesthesia, analgesics, opioids, and inadequate pain relief. Embodiments of the invention relate to the association between genes, specific polymorphisms of genes, and non-genetic factors with inadequate pain relief and anesthesia-, analgesic, and/or opioid-related adverse effects. Embodiments of the invention can be used to determine and manage patient risk factors for development of adverse perioperative effects and can allow for personalized anesthesia and pain management for improvement of pain control and reduction of anesthesia-, analgesic-, and opioid-related adverse outcomes. These methods and compositions apply to non-surgical pain management with opioids.

Abstract: The present invention relates to novel methods for the prevention, treatment and diagnosis of Alzheimer's disease. In addition, the invention relates to methods for assessing an individual's susceptibility or pre-disposition to Alzheimer's disease. The methods of the present invention involve the use of therapeutic targets and diagnostic and/or predictive markers within the mTOR signalling pathway. The methods also involve screening subjects for genetic polymorphisms associated with rapamycin-sensitive genes.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates generally to methods and materials for use in detecting abnormalities of the number of whole chromosomes or chromosome regions (aneuploidy). It has particular utility for assessing the risk of aneuploidy of eggs (i.e., oocytes), fertilized eggs or embryos developed therefrom in the context of in vitro fertilization.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method of diagnosing and/or monitoring a liver disorder in a subject. The method calls for isolating an immune cell population from a biological sample of the subject; and detecting expression level of an NLGn4 gene product in the immune cell population using NLGn4 specific primers or NLGn4 specific probes.

Abstract: Methods and compositions are disclosed to identify plasma and vitreous microRNA (miRNA) signatures of diabetic retinopathy (DR), and then as diagnostic biomarkers for the onset and progression of DR.

Abstract: The present invention provides gene sets the expression of which is important in the diagnosis and/or prognosis of breast cancer.

Abstract: This invention is based, at least in part, on the finding that certain microRNAs (miRNAs) are expressed at higher or lower levels in circulating exosonies or peripheral blood of subjects with hematological malignancies compared to the level of expression in subjects who do not have the hematological malignancy. In addition, this invention is based, at least in part, on the finding that certain miRNAs are differentially expressed at different stages of a hematological malignancy permitting identification of the stage of the hematological malignancy in a subject. The differential expression of miRNAs at different stages of a hematological malignancy also permits determination of the effectiveness of treatments administered to a subject at the particular stage of the hematological malignancy.

Abstract: Embodiments concern methods and composition related to anergic T-cells in patients, such as cancer patients. T cell anergy is a hyporesponsive state induced by TCR engagement in the absence of costimulation (Schwartz, 2003). Anergy induction was initially observed in vitro using chemically-fixed antigen presenting cells (APCs). Subsequently, it was found that anergy could be induced by immobilized anti-CD3 mAb or calcium ionophores (such as ionomycin) in vitro, and by superantigen and soluble antigenic peptide in vivo. Indirect evidence has suggested that T cell dysfunction in the tumor microenvironment and establishment of transplant tolerance is partially due to T cell anergy (Gajewski et al., 2011).

Abstract: The present invention provides a method and a reagent for enrichment of circulating tumor DNA, the method comprising the steps of mixing a water phase and an oil phase and shaking the mixture to prepare an emulsion PCR reaction system, and performing emulsion PCR amplification, wherein the water phase comprises peripheral blood plasma DNA as template DNA, a forward primer and a reverse primer, dNTPs, a PCR buffer and a DNA polymerase, the peripheral blood plasma DNA having adapter sequences connected to both ends thereof, and the forward primer and the reverse primer being complementary to the adapter sequences at the two ends respectively; separating the water phase from the oil phase following the emulsion PCR amplification to obtain a PCR amplification product in the water phase; and capturing circulating tumor DNA in the PCR amplification product in the water phase by using a probe sequence that specifically binds to the circulating tumor DNA.

Abstract: Described herein are DNA primer sequences designed for the determination of gene or transcript information from Anuran species, and which may be used in studies for developmental and/or toxicity testing and for environmental toxicology or ecological assessment. Also described herein is a rapid, sensitive, high-throughput assay useful for supporting potential risk assessment across vertebrate clades, and that is also useful for evaluation of complex contaminant mixtures.

Abstract: The invention provides a method of detecting Clostridium difficile in a sample, comprising detecting the presence in said sample of one or more genes that have been identified as being specific to Clostridium difficile. Also provided is a method of diagnosing a Clostridium difficile infection in a subject, a method of determining the efficacy of a therapeutic regime being used to treat a Clostridium difficile infection and a method of testing for the presence of Clostridium difficile in a sample. Further provided are primer pairs and a kit suitable for use in such methods.

Abstract: The current invention relates to a diagnostic kit for a yeast or fungal species comprising at least one oligonucleotide probe capable of binding to at least a portion of the eIF2y gene or its corresponding mRNA.

Abstract: Provided is an isolated mammalian negative strand RNA virus, metapneumovirus (MPV), within the sub-family Pneumoviridae, of the family Paramyxoviridae. Also provided are isolated mammalian negative strand RNA viruses identifiable as phylogenetically corresponding or relating to the genus Metapneumovirus and components thereof. In particular, provided is a mammalian MPV, subgroups and variants thereof. Also provided are genomic nucleotide sequences of different isolates of mammalian MPV, in particular, human MPV. Disclosed is the use of the sequence information of different isolates of mammalian MPV for diagnostic and therapeutic methods. Provided are nucleotide sequences encoding the genome of an MPV or a portion thereof, including both mammalian and avian MPV. Further described are chimeric or recombinant viruses encoded by the nucleotide sequences and chimeric and recombinant mammalian MPV that comprise one or more non-native or heterologous sequences.

Abstract: Provided herein are methods, compositions, systems, and kits for recombination assays, many of which involve amplification reactions such as PCR or droplet digital PCR.

Abstract: Acid hydrolysis of biomass is an important step for releasing the component sugars before converting them to fuels and/or biochemicals. During such a process, a significant amount of mineral acid, such as sulfuric acid, is used. In most cases, the residual acid is neutralized with lime before the sugar conversion step. By doing so, a waste calcium sulphate stream is generated and sent to disposal. The efficient separation of acid from the sugars would allow the recycle of the acid and make the entire process more economically viable. We found that a resin bed packed with an acid retardation resin can be used to achieve an efficient separation (i.e. 98.5% recovery of the acid) of the sulfuric acid from the sugars. The resin bed can be simply regenerated with water.

Abstract: A method is provided for operating a blast furnace by blowing a solid reducing material, a flammable gaseous reducing material and a combustible gas into a blast furnace from tuyeres through a lance into a blast furnace, wherein a parallel type lance prepared by bundling three independent blowing tubes in parallel and integrally housing them into an outer tube is used, and either one or both of the gaseous reducing material and the combustible gas and the solid reducing material are simultaneously blown through the respective blowing tubes, while the blowing tube for the solid reducing material and the blowing tube for the gaseous reducing material are positioned above the blowing tube for the combustible gas in the blowing through the parallel type lance as well as a lance structure thereof.

Abstract: A metallurgical melting vessel has a vertical shaft, surrounded by a housing wall, which receives steel scrap. At least one closure element, having laterally spaced-apart fingers extending parallel to one another, is mounted such that it can move between a closed position and an open position. In the closed position, the fingers protrude at least partially into the shaft for the purpose of holding back steel scrap. In the open position, the fingers free the shaft at least to such an extent that the steel scrap can fall from the shaft into the melting vessel. The at least one closure element is mounted so as to be movable from the side of the shaft into the shaft and laterally thereoutof.

Abstract: A highly impact resistant ductile iron casting is made from a specified high nickel content ductile iron composition and post-treated with a specified heating and cooling profile to achieve an elongation exceeding the ASTM A536 (“60-40-18”) standard, and meeting or exceeding Charpy V Notch impact resistance at ?20° F. of greater than 11.0 ft.lbs.

Abstract: A material for high carburizing steel and a method for producing a gear using the material are provided. The material includes C of about 0.13 to 0.3 wt %, Si 0.7 to 1.3 wt %, Mn of about 0.3 to 1 wt %, P of about 0.02 wt % or less, S of about 0.03 wt % or less, Cr of about 2.2 to 3.0 wt %, Mo of about 0.2 to 0.7 wt %, Cu of about 0.3 wt % or less, Nb of about 0.03 to 0.06 wt %, V of about 0.1 to 0.3 wt %, Ti of about 0.001 to 0.003 wt %, a balance of Fe and other inevitable.